Manchester United are in the middle of a major midfield rebuild, as they eye a second deal after completing a full agreement to sign Ederson from Atalanta.
The Brazilian reportedly underwent a medical in New York on Sunday ahead of completing a move to Man United, after the Red Devils agreed a deal with the Serie A outfit worth just under £40m for his signature.
Ederson only had one year remaining on his contract with the Bergamo-based outfit, with United chiefs moving quickly to bring him to Old Trafford after the player decided he only wanted to join them.
It is understood to be a similar situation for West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes, with United entering 'official' talks to sign the Portuguese star with his agent Jorge Mendes, as they prepare to make a first offer to the recently-relegated Hammers for the player.
According to Fabrizio Romano, West Ham value the 21-year-old at £85m even though they are now a Championship club, although United will surely hope to land him for a smaller fee as they ramp up their interest.
Real Madrid and Arsenal have shown interest in the young Portugal international, but it is thought that a switch to United is his most likely move with the player keen to link up with Bruno Fernandes at the 'Theatre of Dreams'.
Baleba Speaking to Man United Players About Move
Carlos Baleba during a Brighton & Hove Albion pre-match warm-upvia Reuters
Even if United do complete a deal for Mateus Fernandes after Ederson, it has been suggested by some outlets that another central midfielder could still be targeted, should Manuel Ugarte join Casemiro through the Old Trafford exit door.
Journalist Chris Winterburn has claimed that the Red Devils will target either Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba or Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali after any potential deal for Fernandes, as they look to complete a major midfield rebuild.
The Sun recently reported that Baleba has been in talks with United players over a switch to Old Trafford, having also come close to a move to the Red Devils last summer.
GIVEMESPORT understands that an agreement on personal terms is already in place for the Cameroon international, dating back to last summer.
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Baleba Viewed as the 'New Casemiro'
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro celebrates after Premier League win against Brentford at Old Traffordvia Reuters
One report suggested previously that United chiefs see Baleba as being the 'new Casemiro', and with his physical profile, athleticism and ball-winning abilities, it isn't hard to see why.
Baleba certainly enjoyed a better 2024-25 season than the campaign that has just gone, with his performances far less consistent.
However, United clearly see the potential in the 22-year-old, who it must be remembered is still a young player even though he has shown performances beyond his years previously.
Baleba was valued at £100m by Brighton last summer, but United will be hoping that they could land him for a smaller fee in the upcoming transfer window given his drop in performance.
If the Red Devils could negotiate lower fees for both Fernandes and Baleba in the coming weeks, it would be a no-brainer and leave them with a strong midfield ahead of their return to the Champions League.